Exceptional Ian Watt Guitar Concert

Dunoon’s St. John’s Church Hall was the venue for another exceptional evening of live music, courtesy of the Cowal Music Club, which featured the acclaimed classical guitarist, Ian Watt.

Watt’s remarkable musicianship and dexterity with the guitar were apparent from the from very first chord he strummed.  He opened his recital with a selection of four 16th-Century Italian pieces, captivating the audience his emotional and skillful playing.  Throughout the concert, Watt performed without referring to sheet music, a testament to his mastery and intimate familiarity with the pieces.

Adding to the performance’s appeal Watt introduced each piece with engaging background information providing context and enriching the audience’s experience. His choice of repertoire highlighted his versatility , seamlessly transitioning from the works of the Scottish Composer John McLeod to the compositions of Augustin Barrios. The first half of the concert culminated with Barrio’s La Catedral leaving the audience in awe.

After the interval, Watt continued to charm the listeners with well-known pieces including his own transcription of Debussy’s The Girl With The Flaxen Hair. The concert concluded with another of Watt’s transcriptions, Danze del Molinero ((The Miller’s Dance)  from Manuel de Falla’s opera The Three Cornered Hat. This finale was met with rapturous applause and a standing ovation, underscoring the audience’s appreciation and admiration.

The intimate setting and ambiance of St John’s Church Hall added to the concert’s exceptional atmosphere reinforcing the adage that “There is nothing like live music”.  Watt’s performance was a memorable demonstration of classical guitar artistry, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

The Cowal Music Club once again succeeded in bringing top-quality musicianship to Dunoon providing a platform for extraordinary artists like Ian Watt to share their talent with the community.  The evening was a resounding success, celebrating the beauty and power of live classical music.